Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

Christian Walton 7

Plucked a couple of high balls out of the air well under pressure, but was caught out by right-wing cross which led to Browne hitting the post. One smart save from a Wing free-kick.

Elliott Bennett 7

Booked for handball in the first half, but didn’t let that affect him as he shackled Fletcher well. Couple of good deliveries in to the box in the first half.  

Darragh Lenihan 8

A timely return to action with Adarabioyo out injured and stuck his head and boot on most things that came his way. A couple of decisive clearances as Rovers hang on late on.

Derrick Williams 7

One first half slip apart, looks to have settled in to the Rovers back four and becoming more aggressive by the game. Took a booking for the team late on.  

Greg Cunningham 8

Booked for a late challenge on Johnson but didn’t miss another all afternoon. Looked a threat from set pieces all afternoon, going close twice in the first half. Swung in a couple of good deliveries in the first half, but stuck more to his defensive duties in the second period.

Lewis Travis 8

One driving run in the second half brought the crowd to their feet and was never far from the action. Booked for a foul on Friend.

Bradley Johnson 8

There is plenty of bite out of possession, but an assuredness in possession, playing more successful passes (33) than any Rovers player. Won nine headers in a competitive central midfield area. Booked for a nasty challenge on Fletcher.

Sam Gallagher 8

Used out on the wing, and all of his energy up, in a lung-bursting performance. Won an incredible 12 aerial duels (more than the entire back four combined), and always an outlet. Better when running in to space, than with the ball, but a wholehearted display.

Bradley Dack 8

Worked well with Graham, and tirelessly from the front, with still enough quality on the ball to trouble the Boro backline. Tired as the game wore on. Thumped a second half shot against the back of a defender.

Stewart Downing 7

Almost the script-writers dream as he curled an effort just wide in the second half. His delivery from set plays led to several Rovers chances.

Danny Graham 8

Dispatched the penalty in confident fashion having won it when fouled by Dijksteel. Touched the ball just 17 times, fewer than anyone on the pitch, but his presence at the top end of the pitch just works.

Subs

Adam Armstrong (for Graham, 70) 6

His extra pace troubled Ayala in particular, though the Boro man did well to block his shot late on.

Joe Rothwell (for Downing, 76) 6

Ability to carry the ball added a new dimension in the final quarter. Had he caught his left foot shot better, could have been celebrating another goal.

John Buckley (for Dack, 76) 6

Created a chance for Rothwell, as well as firing over himself. Used the ball intelligently to help converse possession late on.

Subs not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Ryan Nyambe, Amari’i Bell, Corry Evans